Head Animal Care Technician

Job Category Professional/Administrative

Position Title Head Animal Care Technician

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Division Dean of the Faculty

Department Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Hiring Wage/Salary Range $62,500 - $70,000

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

Experience working with common laboratory animal species (fish, frogs, birds, rodents) is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Highschool diploma or equivalent is required.

An undergraduate degree is preferred.

Certifications

Active Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) or AALAS Laboratory Animal Technologist is strongly preferred. Appropriate certification at this level is expected to be maintained for the duration of employment within this position.

Offer Determination

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Physical Requirements

The position involves regular lifting of items up to 20 lbs, including feed bags, animal cages, and other essential equipment for animal care.

Other Information

Benefits

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.

Department Statement

Accountabilities

The individual in this role is accountable for collaborating with and supervising colleagues in the animal care facility to ensure the proper maintenance and care of housed animals, in accordance with institutional animal care protocols and state and federal regulations. This includes managing inventory levels of subject animals to meet faculty needs, and overseeing the upkeep of cages, tanks, life support systems, cleaning equipment, and experimental apparatus associated with animal care.

The role also involves implementing faculty-specific research protocols and providing training to students and staff on animal care and equipment usage. The individual ensures that anyone involved in animal research or teaching completes the required training certification prior to handling animals and provides additional training based on the scope of the activities. The position coordinates with the consulting veterinarian for surgical training and authorizations as needed.

The individual is responsible for overseeing the work of other technicians, ensuring quality and accuracy in their tasks, and may also manage technician scheduling and coverage. Consultation with the attending veterinarian is required to address veterinary needs for species and maintain the occupational health program for animal handlers.

As a voting member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the individual provides feedback on protocols, consults on animal care status, evaluates the current animal care program, and conducts regular inspections of all animal care spaces.

The individual must adhere to Colgate University's Chemical Hygiene Plan and ensure a safe environment for all. This includes staying current with relevant animal care regulations from agencies such as the NYS Department of Health, USDA Animal Welfare Act, and PHS, and advising faculty and staff on compliance with these regulations.

Technical Competencies

Name Research Protocols

Description

Demonstrated expertise in animal care use in research sufficient to configure research protocols as directed by faculty.

Name Laboratory Support

Description

Demonstrated ability to organize lab environment and effectively manage inventory levels of materials and supplies.

Name Scientific Instruments and Equipment

Description

Demonstrated ability to diagnose problems with key lab equipment and arrange for proper repair and maintenance. Knowledge of all related equipment sufficient to teach others on proper use.

Name Training

Description

Demonstrated ability to teach and train others on the proper use of equipment and safe handling of animals.

Name Subject Care

Description

Demonstrated ability to safely handle and work with subjects used within relevant laboratory and fieldwork. Knowledge of animal subjects handling and safety sufficient to teach students and other key members of research teams.

Demonstrated ability to diagnose health, housing, care and other related issues with subject animals.

Name Technology

Description

Familiarity with domain-specific software sufficient to document research activities and animal care.

Name Regulatory and Safety Knowledge

Description

Working knowledge of relevant OSHA, USDA, PHS and other safety regulations sufficient to follow policies, practices, and procedures established by the University and other relevant regulating bodies. Demonstrated ability for maintaining facilities up to the standards set by both the NYSDOH and USDA to ensure the best animal care practices are being utilized.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Personal Accountability for Results

Description

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Name Effective Communication

Description

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Name Problem Solving and Decision Making

Description

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Name Change Management

Description

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Name Leadership and Teamwork

Description

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Name Creativity and Innovation

Description

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Name Diversity and Inclusion

Description

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Name Sustainability

Description

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university's commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university's sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number 2025S019Posting

Temporary No

Work Schedule

Full Time, 12 month position

Monday through Friday

Occasional Weekends

Job Open Date 03/06/2025

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws or Executive Orders.

Clery Act

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.

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